Saturday, April 17, 2010

What a difference it would have madeIf they had only listenedTo all You had to sayTo all You had to teach themThey would have realizedThat the time of sorrow would soon endWhen on that third morningThe Son would indeed rise againTears would have still been shedAt the loss of such a teacher and friendBut on that Sunday morningJoy would flow in themWhat a difference it makesThe assurance we knowThat You'll come againThen to Heaven we'll go!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

There is a group in American society that I believe is seriously taken for granted. These Americans put their all on the line on a daily basis in the name of freedom. Do you know who they are? They are the many men and women serving in the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guards, and Reserves. They are the ones we see in those pictures sent in emails who are sleeping on the ground, the ones who dream at night of being at home with their families, the ones who leave behind wives, husbands, parents, children, other family members and friends to ensure that the freedom we have in America will continue. They are the ones who volunteer for this service. There is a pride among our military that they are the United States Military. So who are we as civilians to take that pride away by taking them for granted? This Memorial Day weekend I challenge all of you regardless of what your political leanings may be or how you feel about the war in Iraq to remember that each of the soldiers is still someone's family member. A tragedy occurred in America after the Vietnam conflict ... the American citizens forgot to Thank our military for their bravery and their service. If you could ask our Vietnam Vets what they would have liked to receive it would have been thanks for what they went and did. Let's not let another generation of American servicemen and women feel that let down by the very people who should be holding them up! Let's tell them thank you at every opportunity....and on this weekend of remembering....let's not forget that it isn't just about not going to work and cooking out or going to the beach or even getting drunk...let's remember that it is a day of reflection of all the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country...the brave patriots leading a revolution for a new way of life, the brave men who fought the French, Indians, Spaniards and English in molding a new nation, the men that fought in a nation torn one side for freedom of others and the other side to protect a way of life, the men and women who fought for peace and freedom in not one but 2 world wars, the soldiers who went to Korea in the name of freedom, the forgotten heroes of Vietnam, the men and women who fought for freedom from a monster named Sadaam Hussein in Desert Storm, and the men and women who have been fighting and are still serving our nation in Iraq. Let us also pause and remember the heroes of September 11th who woke up just normal people but died heroes at the hands of terroism. Maybe we should rename this day the national day of US Heroes...because I don't know about you but they are all heroes to me the ones who have served in the past and still serve, the ones who paid the ultimate price for my freedom, the ones who were injured and bear scars in the name of freedom, and the ones going to bed tonight on sandy groud, the one standing guard on a hill this very moment, and ones in basic training learning to be an American Sailor, Marine, Soldier or Airman - -these are the true American Heroes!!! Thank them, love them, appreciate them...but most of all Pray for them!!!! So to those close to my heart who have served, to Mike, Grandaddy, Chris, Bobby, Janelle, Lamar, Bud, and the others I say......

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFUL SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY... I PRAY THAT GOD BLESS YOU !!

I was sitting here watching a rerun of 7th Heaven where Rev Camden passes and is led by his mother in law in choosing gifts for the family in Heaven. It got me thinking about how we spend so much time here on earth worrying about the material things...and how I have been so guilty this year of letting Satan take the joy away from me that is Christmas. Why should I let myself be depressed because I don't have a job or a husband or children to watch on Christmas morning or my own home? I have a security of eternal life - -I have faith in God - -I have the promise that no matter what comes my way God will take care of it and God will work it out to His glory and to my spiritual growth. So, I sit here pondering my life at this time and watching and realize the truth of the gifts on the show....and knowing that if I could I would love to give to all those special to me those same gifts. 1st the gift of time...we are so busy in today's world that so often we overlook the precious gift of time....my wish is that in the new year each of you [& me] will take the time to live the life that God would have us live...take that extra moment to let your family know what they mean to you...take the time to stop and just enjoy your children before there is no time...take the time to serve God to let others know who He is and all that He wants to do for them...2nd I give each of you an eraser - so many times we hold on to things in our past that we have no way of going back and changing...one of my favorite Bible verses talks about forgetting the past and looking to the future...when we tell someone to forgive and forget something often we need to tell them to allow God to forgive you and then you forget it because he already has so there is no sense in allowing the mistakes of our past to cloud the joy and vibrantness of our future...3rd you shall receive Courage -- courage to take that next step to step out on faith and allow God to do a miracle in your life...so many people wanted to know this year how I could with peace accept the severance package I was offered when I could have went into another department and continued working for an undetermined amount of time...I had the courage to face the unknown because I had the faith to do what God wanted me to do...I don't know what the new year holds for me but I know that God will give the courage to do what I need to do...Next I wish for you Purpose...each of us has a purpose in this life...so often however we wander along aimlessly not knowing what that purpose is...may God reveal to you your purpose and what His purpose in this life is for YOU!! Next I wish each of you dignity- dignity to hold your head high no matter what life throws at you - my wish for you is that you will value you and who you are and always act in a manner that is becoming to the person you are and the One who created you...along with dignity comes beauty - not so much a physical beauty but a beauty that comes from within a beauty that is give to you by God a beauty that is not something that makes you the perfect magazine cover but a beauty that shines from a beautifully forgiven blood washed heart~~ a beauty of actions deeds and self worth and when you combine dignity and beauty you will receive the gift of loyalty~~loyalty to yourself [remember Shakespeare - to thine own self be true], loyalty to others that allows you to stand up with your loved ones and friends in the face of adversity that allows you to be the one who laughs with them, crys with them and supports them thru thick and thin,,,but most of all a loyalty to God to be able to stand and look anyone in the eye no matter the cost and proclaim your love and faith in Christ...I could go on and on about things like respect and companionship and encouragement etc...but the greatest gift I wish for you is love ~~~love of your family and friends...love for yourself love for others love for life...and most definetly the love offered on Calvary...FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON THAT IF YOU BELIEVE IN HIM YOU WILL NOT DIE BUT WILL LIVE FOREVER [JOHN 3:16]...Have you ever wondered why God sent his son like he did to a stinky dirty cattle stall instead of sending him to a palace or place worthy of the King of all kings? He wants us all to experience his love and know that no matter who we are where we are from or what we have done in the past Jesus came to offer us hope peace joy love forgiveness and salvation....

Throughout our journey on this earth we see Various menageries every dayGroups of people or objects life has placed togetherBecause of who or what they are or the role that they may playThousands of years agoThe most special menagerie was madeA collection of people and eventsTo pay a debt no man could payIt starts with a prophet who lived in days of oldHe often spoke of a coming MessiahThe promise of a coming Prince of PeaceThe world’s Savior proclaimed IsaiahYears passed by until late one nightAnd angel visited a virgin girlWith a message of hope and not of fearHe told Mary that she would soonBear the Savior of the worldAnother visit late one night To Joseph her betrothedGabriel assured him of the will of GodThat this child would one day bear our crossA census decree leads us all to the town of BethlehemWhere Joseph and Mary arrived to findThe was no room in the innIt was in a stable filled with hay That Jesus Christ was bornA star shone brightly overheadLeading shepherds and Magi to worship the baby Lord.This menagerie that was created on that holy nightWhen all the angels in heaven sangIs just one small example of God’s great menagerieMade of souls who shall reside in Heaven on day.

I sat alone one night trying to come up with a list of qualities and traits I desire in the perfect man for me. As I listed each trait I realized that the perfect man was already in my life and was waiting for me to figure it out. For you see the perfect man for me you and everyone here has always been around we just tend to get so busy in our everyday lives and human worldly things that we overlook him. As a southern lady, you grow up with this image of the perfect Southern Gentlemen, perhaps brought on by watching (&/reading) Gone with the Wind one too many times. A Rhett Butler type… a little bit of a rogue but with a genuine honesty and love for life and those held closest his heart… with the capacity to love unconditionally and fiercely while always ready to take on anyone who would challenge the sincerity of his character. The type of man who treats you like a lady should be treated (… you know girls, the whole kit and caboodle of gentlemanly behavior… opens and shuts doors for you, holds out your chair, etc, etc, etc…) while he is fully appreciative of all you do for him. A guy who understands your need to talk to or see your mama at least every other day while at the same time can see why you may feel the same about his mama. A man who knows how to be the man in the relationship, who children and animals adore and become captivated by with a simple smile or wink. A man who appreciates the quirkiness that is being a girlie girl… who will be willing to go to the latest chic flick with you 'cause he knows you will go and sit for hours with him while he fishes, hunts, etc…The perfect lover who knows just what you need at the just the time you need it. Of course, for every girl there are those conditional qualities based upon of location, hobbies and interests…..for example while the GRITS girl is perfectly happy with a blue jean wearin', truck drivin', fishin', huntin', hound lovin' good 'ol country boy…..the girl from north of the Mason Dixon line or the quintessential Valley Girl would probably prefer someone different. Of course you have to throw in the things important to you like literature, music, the arts….. You know the amazing thing is that guy exists and no matter what you need , want or like he is that…I have been so overwhelmed by the realization that while I have been looking for the perfect man in human form, the most Perfect One has been here all along. Who else knows our thoughts, hopes, wishes, desires better than the one who gave them to us. Want someone good with children….who better than the one they flocked to, the one the little boy wanted to see so badly that he willingly gave his lunch to Him…Want someone who thinks you are beautiful no matter what….what about the one who created you in His image and when He had finished saw what He had made and found it pleasing in His sight. Do you desire a musician someone with whom you can make beautiful music? Why not try the one who gives the music,the one for whom the angels sing…..Or how about surrendering to the one who spoke the greatest love story ever told….You see my friend, I found that while trying to find a mate on earth, I have been negligent to see and stay true to my one True Love. The "Soul" Mate with whom I have everything in common. My knight in shining armor who gave His very life for me….And the one who is coming back for me to take me home to be His bride. And best of all He's the ultimate gentleman….for while He desires to be all of these things to each and everyone of us…you never have to fear Him for He won't press him self on you or force you to accept his gifts…for you see we are the ones to whom he says "behold, I stand at the door and knock"… will you open the door and allow him to be your best friend, your comforter, redeemer, savior, Lord, bridegroom and the Lover of Your soul. Please don't tarry for one day lest your chance for that perfect man's love be gone.

Once again we find ourselvesAt that magical time of yearWhen we gather once againSing Auld Lang SyneLists are made by one and allThings you resolve to doBut how many lists are forgottenBefore January is throughBefore you begin to make your listI have a suggestion for youResolve to love God more fully this yearTo let His light shine thru youThe new year lies before youIts opportunities untoldPray Lord let me take Your WordMake me courageous and boldTake the message of God’s salvationFor everyone to hearBut most of all to serve you LordDuring this HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Blowing thru the leaves of the treethe winds of change echo in meInevitable times that come and goLessons of life to me they showNot all good yet not all badSome winds happy, some winds sadYet the winds carry His voiceTo listen or not that is my choice.1=7=09

When it comes to your Christian serviceAre you too busy?Do you fill your life with everyday thingsUntil you have not time left for Him?When asked to teach a classOr fill a church positionDo you find it easy to say noYour plate is already too full?If you do then think on thisWhat if Jesus had simply been too busy?What if He had wanted to forgo CalvaryTo continue His work on earth?What if He had told God He just didn’t have the timeTo be crucified for our sins?What with all the miracles and teaching the peopleHe was just too busy to die.The next time a task comes before youPause for a moment and thenRemember He wasn’t to busy to die for youWill you be too busy to live for Him?

When we settle in our mansionOver on the other shoreWhen we spend all eternityWalking down the streets of goldWe will live with Christ foreverWhen our wondering days are o’er

Verse 1Life upon this earth is busyPeople going to & froEveryone is in a hurryAs through the day they goOne day it will be endedAnd we’ll hurry about no moreWhen our traveling days are overAnd our wondering days are o’er

Repeat Chorus

Verse 2How blissful life will beWhen we reach our Heavenly HomeAll the hurry and bustle of life on this earthWith all its worries will be goneHow awesome to live In peace for all eternityWhen our wondering days are overAnd King Jesus we will see

A person’s eyes are said to beThe windows to their soulThe emotions we see mirrored thereWhether they be bright or dark and coldYour eyes are the very first thingThat attracted me to youAnd those same eyes follow meIn my head and my heart tooI think of you day and night Wondering where you areAnd think of the distance between our heartsSo close and yet so farWill you be the one God made for meMy gift from Heaven aboveAnd will you eyes one day soonLook at me with loveI want to know you so much moreTo be your everythingTo feel the warmth and happinessOne look from you can bringI’ve waited a lifetime to meet you And yet I wait againUntil the day you look at meAs your destiny and not just your friend

A little boy stands on a school playgroundHe is surrounded by a group of bigger boys all laughing and being meanHe gathers up all the courage he can and in a loud voice cries“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but your words will never hurt me.”

Inspite of all his braveryHow boldly he stood that dayThe other boys never knew the damage they didJust by the simple words they had to say

For you see physical blows will mend and healThey may leave a scar but do not last longer than a seasonWhereas the scars from a persons words are branded on the heartThey are always there breaking down the one to whom they were said

So when you start to say something that really isn’t niceTake a breath, pause a minute and tame your unruly tongueMay our words be as sweet as thoseWhich were spoken in God’s wordSo those who hear will come to know Him as their Savior and their Lord.

Live your life as you might if you knew this was the last dayOpen your heart, home and hands freely and often to those in need of a friendUse your time making memories with those you loveReflect on the good things, the good times and forget the badDecide each day is a blank page to be lived to its fullestEmbrace life with a tight gripSing a song - sing your song - don't worry about tune or rhythm - sing loud and with joy.

written for Lourdes Robinson during her battle with Breast Cancer in 2005

Written: June 12, 2005Fathers, you would be the best DadIf you follow this simple planModel your life after the Father of allBecome known as a godly manAcknowledge the authority of God Placing Him as the head of your homeHe’ll help the other things fall into placeAnd your worries will all be goneTake your family to church each weekTwice on Sunday and Wednesday nightsTeaching your children to serve the LordSo He will be their guideHonor the vows you made the dayTheir mother became your wifeThis will show your sons what kind of man to beWhen they find their bride.Envelope your children in your armsShowering them daily with loveThis will help them to understand the verse in JohnThat simple starts “For God so loved…”Reflect upon the happy timesForgetting all the badAnd one day with pride he’ll sayHe wasn’t just a father - -He was my Dad!

REMEMBERANCEDedicated to all those who gave their lives in service to their country thru the United States Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy and Marines

Do you remember the imagesThe story you were toldOf brave men and womenOf the young and the oldThe ones who stood and Said for freedom I will goTo places near and far awayIn summer's heat and winter's snowOn the beaches of EuropeThey stood their groundTo free the oppressedand unbind those who were boundThey fought on in Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait and IraqTears were shed for those we lostThen more when others came backTo all our valiant warriorsWho have stood for the Red, White and BlueThank for the gift you gaveIts price you paid with you.

I am awakening to the grace of the Lord. I am falling in love with Him more and more. I have taken a stand to serve only Him. I will honor my Lord with the life that I live. I want to be known only as His child. I want my service to Him to be seen as worthwhile. It’s the lease I can do to give back to Thee. My most humble thanks for dying for me. Lord Jesus, come and fill me today. Give the places to go, things to do, words to say. Show me how to grown in you love. Lead me on to Heaven above

America! Do you remember…All the brave men and women who weathered peril and storms on the seas to come and settle in a new land. Those courageous patriots who stood up to a tyranny from across the ocean in the name of freedom.America! Do you remember…The spirit of the pioneers traveling across a land, leaving the comforts of home for the promise of adventure and new life and what about the families torn apart when part of our nation wanted progress and freedom for all while the other part just wanted to protect a way of life.America! Do you remember…All the men and women who have given their lives on foreign soil to protect freedomAmerica! Do you remember…To pray daily for those now serving in our militaryChristians in America! Do we remember…To thank God for his grace and for Jesus‘ sacrifice on Calvary and do we remember to share that grace with others.America! We need to remember…The past lest we be destined to repeat it and to praise God for all those who gave and still give their all so we can be free.

Lord help me get thru this day As only you can Give me the strength to go on To carry out Your will and Your plans Give me a kind word to say To those who irritate me Help me lift them in prayer Their problems to see I know I will stumble At least once today Not do what I should do Or say what I should say With you holding my hand Showing me where I should go I will get thru this day I will let your love flow.

Let’s take a trip in our mindsBack in the days of yoreTo visit the stable in BethlehemWhere Jesus Christ was bornIt’s just an ordinary barnWhere cows and chickens livedBut became a nursery late that nightAs there was no room in the innWith walls of wood and a floor of dirtAnimals tethered all aroundA cattle trough filled with hayWas where the baby was foundIt was just a simple building For housing animals large and smallBut on that night so long agoIt housed the Savior of us allI’m grateful that the inn was fullAnd Mary slept in the stable that nightIt set in motion a chain of eventsThat led to redemption for you and ILet’s take a trip to visitThe stable in BethlehemAnd take the time to say “Thank You, God,For sending a Savior to men.”

About Me

I love writings poetry and am most often inspired by God's work in my life nad in his creation. I love being at church and serving God. I love letting others know thru music about God and His saving grace.